Linebacker Teven Williams booted from YSU football team

Youngstown State’s football season doesn’t start until Aug. 30 but the Penguins have already suffered a big loss.

Senior middle linebacker Teven Williams, who led the team in tackles each of the past three seasons, has been permanently kicked off the team.

“He made a decision. It wasn’t a right decision. So he is no longer with us,” said a YSU spokesman, who declined to be more specific.

Williams did not respond to interview requests.

Williams, a Huber Heights native, has started 29 career games, including 11 last fall when he recorded a team-high 81 tackles and tied for team-highs in forced fumbles (two) and fumble recoveries (two). He earned second team all-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors for the Penguins, who went 8-4.

Williams broke into the starting lineup as a true freshman in 2011, starting the last eight games. He was named to the Missouri Valley’s all-newcomer team and was honorable mention all-conference. He started 10 of 11 games in 2012, recording a team-high 63 tackles.

Cornerbacks DeVon McKoy and David Rivers have also left the team, although not for disciplinary reasons.

“[They chose] to pursue opportunities elsewhere,” the spokesman said.

McKoy, an August transfer from Bowling Green, started the first four games of the season while starter Dale Peterman was injured. He appeared in 10 of the team’s 11 games and made 20 tackles.

Rivers, a Miami, Fla., native, saw limited action as a backup, making 10 tackles with two interceptions. He returned one of them for a touchdown.

YSU spring practice begins today. The Penguins open the season on Aug. 30 at Illinois.

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